Continuing Education (CE) CreditAre you a funeral director who must meet state-mandated continuing education requirements in order to renew your license? One of your most valuable opportunities for obtaining those credits is through ICCFA educational programs. For instance, attendees at this year's ICCFA University can earn more than 20 credits in a few days. ICCFA's renowned educational meetings encourage professionalism while teaching job knowledge and leadership skills, and prepare conference attendees for increased responsibility. All ICCFA meetings now offer CE credits. There is no better way to fulfill your state requirements. For more information on CE credits available from specific ICCFA programs for your state, call 1.800.645.7700. Please note that due to onerous and/or expensive filing requirements, the ICCFA no longer applies for Continuing Education credits from Rhode Island or Pennsylvania.

Buzz About ICCFA Events

"Over the last 5 years I have been to and exhibited at NFDA 4 times, ICCFA 3 times, and the Ohio FDA Convention 5 times. After each show I generally walk away with the same conclusion: good conversation, got to meet a few more people, but was the productiveness of the show enough to offset the expenses?

I battle with feeling like I need to be there to continue to build my brand, if I am not there people are going to think something is wrong? Is being there as an exhibitor paying off? Would I get the same results if I just walked the floor and didn’t exhibit?

The ICCFA convention this year was different. I left this year’s show completely exhausted; I was physically and mentally drained. I didn’t feel like my mouth or my brain got the chance to shutdown at all during the 3-day exhibit. It was the best feeling I have ever had leaving a convention.

There was something different about this show. I have always felt that the ICCFA show always draws a more progressive and open-minded funeral director but this year that was more evident than ever. I was engaged by so many funeral homes that are so close to fully embracing social media, they are open to new ideas, and they see the over-whelming need to be present where their customer is.

I have read a few reviews from other people in the industry who really down played the quality of the ICCFA this year. They knocked the lack of progressiveness from the vendors and attendees. I did not see this. I feel that both groups have grown to be much more progressive. No, there weren’t any over the top crazy technology laced booths, but we have to remember, this is the ICCFA convention (funeral directors) not the Consumer Electronics Show (techie).

This profession is transforming quickly. Younger funeral directors are taking charge and they realize the need for change. They are starting to understand that their funeral home has to focus on the needs of their customer and not on their own preferences. Welcome to the beginning of the generational shift that will flip this profession upside down.

When my kids do something good, cool, or exciting I like to give them knuckles. So right now I want to send virtual knuckles to the ICCFA for continuing to support and drive evolution and change in this profession. See you next year. Knuckles."

--Ryan Thogmartin, April 9, 2012

"I agree with you about the productivity at this year's ICCFA. Most times, product companies attend these conventions for the reasons you identified - build/maintain the brand and to ensure people don't think something is wrong at the company.

Genesis Casket gave some thought about not attending, since our distribution is limited to primarily the Midwest, but I'm glad we didn't. Not only did we sell product there, but we received some great leads (and one of these leads has already manifested itself into product sales.) And we fully expect some truckload orders to results from the connections we made."

--Joe Weigel, April 9, 2012

"Over the last couple of years, the convention scene has been struggling just like the rest of our economy, but if the 2010 ICCFA Convention was any sign of things to come, our future is looking a little bit brighter.

The Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in downtown San Antonio was packed with exhibitors. The number of retailers was very impressive. San Antonio is a great city and a good location for a convention. It provided plenty of things to do and see when the convention was not in session, but it did not pull the attendees away from the display hall during the day. This was easily the largest group of people I have ever seen attending an ICCFA Convention."

--Elberton Graniteer, Spring 2010

At a time when the trade show industry is struggling, the June 2009 issue of Exhibitor Magazine named the ICCFA Expo as a "highlight" of the "exhibition experience."

Editor Travis Stanton, who attended the Grand Opening of the ICCFA 2009 Expo in Las Vegas, wrote: "Whoever came up with the idea of scattering open bars and food stations throughout a show floor should win the Nobel Prize. ...having snacks and refreshments available in the exhibit hall ... not only attracted a decent number of attendees but kept the mood lively and upbeat...".

Exhibitor Magazine is mailed to more than 30,000 trade show marketing professionals.